Despite modest gains in gender equality at work over the past decade, a new national report reveals a troubling trend: women’s workplace safety is deteriorating, even as other indicators improve.

The Gender Equality @ Work Index, developed by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, tracks progress across seven key dimensions: workforce participation, pay, hours of paid and unpaid work, job security, occupational segmentation, safety, and stratification. While the overall index rose slightly from 80 to 83 out of 100 between 2014 and 2024, safety was the only area to decline, dropping from 78 to 75.

Safety: The Hidden Crisis

Professor Rae Cooper, one of the report’s authors, warns that this decline in safety is “undercutting progress made in all other dimensions.” Women continue to face higher rates of workplace sexual harassment and psychological injury than men a reality that hits especially hard in feminised industries like call centres, healthcare, finance, and legal services.

These sectors, often staffed predominantly by women, are not immune to toxic workplace cultures, inadequate reporting mechanisms, and employer inaction. Without strong protections, women are left vulnerable and the data proves it.

The Double Shift: Domestic Work Still Unequal

Professor Elizabeth Hill, another co-author, highlights the unequal burden of domestic care as a persistent barrier to workplace equality. While men’s unpaid domestic work has increased slightly, their uptake of paid parental leave remains stubbornly low, reinforcing outdated gender roles and limiting women’s career progression.

Why Unions Matter More Than Ever

This report is a wake-up call and a rallying cry for union members. Only strong union representation can effectively challenge unsafe conditions, demand accountability, and negotiate workplace policies that protect and empower women.

Unions are uniquely positioned to:

  • Advocate for robust anti-harassment policies
  • Ensure psychological safety is treated as a workplace right
  • Push for equitable parental leave and flexible work arrangements
  • Hold employers accountable for unsafe or discriminatory practices

In workplaces where union presence is strong, women are more likely to report harassment, access support, and see real consequences for perpetrators. Union delegates and organisers are often the first line of defence and the strongest voice for change.

Assistant Minister for Women Rebecca White praised the index as “world-leading research” that helps policymakers see where women are being left behind. But data alone won’t fix the problem. It’s collective, organised, and persistent action  drives real change.

As union members, we must continue to fight for:

  • Safe workplaces free from harassment
  • Fair workloads and recognition of unpaid care
  • Equal pay and career opportunities
  • Respect and dignity for all workers

Together, We Can Turn the Tide

The path to gender equality is not linear and setbacks like declining safety remind us that progress must be defended. Unions are the engine of that progress, and every member has a role to play.

Let’s stand together, speak out, and organise for safer, fairer workplaces for all.

Based on reporting from Workplace Express, November 5, 2025